MOUNT MORRIS — Wildlife officials are urging people to stay away from a young black bear who’s been spotted more than a dozen times as he wanders through northwestern Illinois.

They issued fresh pleas on Wednesday after dozens of people flocked to an oak tree near Mount Morris, where the bear took refuge after ambling through town.

Wildlife officials say the ogling and photographing could stress the young bruin, who likely wandered into Illinois after being pushed out of his home territory by other bears.

Chris Young, a spokesman for the Department of Natural Resources tells Sauk Valley Media that the youngster’s best chance of survival is to be left alone so he can find his way back to his natural habitat.